Method of designing cubic receptacle and apparatus therefor

ABSTRACT

A method of designing a cubic receptacle which determines the form of the receptacle in consideration of an internal capacity of the receptacle or an amount of material required for manufacturing the receptacle to prepare a two-dimensional pictorial image of the receptacle of which form is thus determined with a label being attached thereon to appraise the pictorial image thus obtained. To carry out the above design, a computer and various input/output units are used. 
     In addition, a designing method particularly suitable for determining the form of a receptacle of body of revolution. Such a determination of the form is made using a coordinate input unit. 
     Moreover, a technique is provided for representing a three-dimensional body in a two-dimensional manner, especially to a techique for representing a cubic receptacle on which a label is attached in a two-dimensional manner. In addition, a special algorithm is used for representing an impression of material quality of the receptacle. 
     Further, a method of forming vector data of special character font suitable for a work for attaching a label including character on a cubic receptacle.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method of designing a cubicreceptacle and an apparatus therefor, and more particularly to a methodof designing a cubic receptacle and an apparatus therefor to determinethe form of the receptacle in consideration of an internal capacity ofthe receptacle or an amount of material required for manufacturing thereceptacle, to prepare a two-dimensional pictorial image of thereceptacle of which form is thus determined with a label being attachedthereon, and to appraise the pictorial image thus obtained.

BACKGROUND ART

Cubic receptacles or containers are extensively used in order to packagevarious goods including foods and drinks. Ordinarily, these receptaclesare formed with synthetic resin materials and labels indicating tradename or trade mark etc. are attached thereon. Conventionally, whendesigning receptacles of this type, there is employed a method toconduct desk work based on drafting and calculating the capacity and theamount of the resin material, thereaft-er to actually manufactureproducts.

A conventional process for designing such cubic receptacles is shown inFIG. 1. First, planning 1 is presented by a person who gives an orderfor an receptacle, and condition setting/information gathering 2 isconducted. Then, idea development 3 is carried out while repeatingcondition setting/information gathering 2. After narrowing down ofdesign in regard to the receptacle form, rendering manufacture 5 inregard to the design is conducted. At this stage, presentation 6 forpresenting the design to the person who has given the order is carriedout. If restudying or reexamination is required, the process is repeatedfrom the idea development 3 for a second time.

Here, in the process where the final form is determined, variouscomponents, i.e., height, width, taper and capacity constituting theform are diversely combined to reach the optimum combination. Every timethese respective components are changed, a new drafting will beconducted. Such drafting works require a great deal of labor and time.

At the stage where the design has been determined, various processes,e.g., moldability studying 7, material quality studying 8, manualcalculation of capacity 9, determination of dimension 10, and coloringstudy 11 etc. are implemented. If there is any problem, restudying willbe repeated. For instance, if the capacity is not equal to a designatedvalue, the design of the entirety of the form must be altered.Accordingly, the same procedure must be repeated from the moldabilitystudying 7 for a second time, with the result that a considerable laborwill be spent until the form is determined. When the final form isdetermined by repeating such studying processes, trial manufacturing ofmodel 12 is carried out at last. This is a process to actually implementtrial manufacturing of a cubic object or body as designed using a woodenmodel etc. Subsequently, the model trially manufactured is presented tothe person who has given the order to request for studying 13. In thecase where the person who has given the order has judged that theresudying is required, processes from the moldability, studying 7 to themodel trial manufacturing 12 will be repeated. By the time asatisfactory model is completed, considerable labor and time arerequired.

When the satisfactory model is completed and the final form isdetermined, drafting of metal mold drawing 14 of the cubic form iscarried out. Subsequently, surface design studying 15 is conducted.Namely, study on pattern design attached on the receptacle surface iscarried out and a design dummy manufacturing 16 in regard to thecompleted pattern is conducted. Thus presentation 17 for presenting itto the person who has given the order is carried out. If restudying isrequired at this stage, the study on surface design 15 is repeatedagain. When the final determination 18 satisfactory to the person whohas given the order is made, manufacturing of the receptacle 19 iscarried out. A series of processes up to delivery or supply of goods 20are thus completed.

As stated above, with the conventional method of designing cubicreceptacles, studying by a person who has given the order is carried outper each process, and when restudying is required, the process of thequestion must be repeated for a second time. Thus, such a conventionalmethod has the drawback that much labor and time are required.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the present invention is to provide a method ofdesigning a cubic receptacle and an apparatus therefor which can lessenlabor and time.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an apparatuswhich can determine the form of a cubic receptacle in consideration ofan internal capacity of the cubic receptacle or an amount of materialfor forming the receptacle using a computer.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a method to inputan original picture of a label to be attached on a cubic receptacle,thus making it possible to obtain a pictorial image as thetwo-dimensional representation of the cubic receptacle with the labelbeing attached thereon.

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a method ofrepresenting an impression of material quality wherein when representinga three-dimensional figure in a two-dimensional manner, the method canrepresent a more faithful impression of material quality and canrepresent an impression of material quality partially different.

A fifth object is to provide a method of forming a character font whichcan arbitrarily alter the form or size of character font using less datacapacity so as to suit the handling of characters of a label whenrepresenting a cubic receptacle with a label being attached thereon in atwo-dimensional manner.

To achieve these objects, the present invention is constituted asfeatured below.

The first feature of the present invention resides in a method ofdesigning a cubic receptacle, the method comprising the steps ofinputting a cross section of the cubic receptacle as two-dimensionaldata, displaying a two-dimensional projected image of the cubicreceptacle and calculating the capacity thereof on the basis of thetwo-dimensional data thus input, making a correction of the crosssection of the cubic receptacle on the basis of the result to determinethe final form of the receptacle, inputting an original picture of alabel attached on the surface of the cubic receptacle as two-dimensionaldata, displaying the label on the basis of the two-dimensional data thusinput, carrying out correction of the label or coloring processingtherefor to determine the final label to link data of the final form ofthe receptacle with the data indicative of the final label thereby tooutput a two-dimensional projected image of the cub{c receptacle onwhich the label is attached, thus to lessen labor and time required fordesign.

The second feature of the present inventlon resides in an apparatus fordesigning a cubic receptacle, which is composed of a coordinate inputunit wh,:ch inputs a cross section of the cubic receptacle astwo-d}mensional coordinates, a label input unit which inputs an originalpicture of a label attached on the surface of the cubic receptacle aspictorial image data, a display unit which displays a two-dimensionalprojected image of the cubic receptacle, two-dimensionalpprojectedimages of the label and the cubic receptacle on which the label isattached, and other instructions necessary for an operator, a linedrawing output unit which outputs the two-dimensional projected image ofthe cubic receptacle as a line drawing, a color hard copy unit whichoutputs with color representation two-dimensional projected image of thelabel or the cubic receptacle on which the label is attached, and aprocessing unit which performs a predetermined computation on the basisof data input from the coordinate input unit and the label input unit toprovide data necessary for the display unit, the line drawing outputunit and the color hard copy unit, thus lesseninglabor and the timerequired for design.

The third feature of the present invention resides in the provision ofan apparatus in which a coordinate input unit which inputs position datasuch as cross sectional form of the receptacle, a numerical value inputunit which inputs numeric data such as a receptacle thickness and adisplay are coupled to a computer, thereby to determine an internalcapacity of the receptacle and an amount of material required formanufacturing the receptacle in correspondence with various inputs.

The fourth feature of the present invention resides in the provision ofan apparatus for determining the form of a receptacle using a computerin which the apparatus is composed of a coordinate input unit whichinputs position data of any element constituting the cross sectionalform of the receptacle, a numerical value input unit which inputsnumeric data, e.g., an internal capacity of the receptacle, a change inthe above element or the like, a processing unit which calculatescoordinate values on the basis of inputs from both the input units, anda unit which receives an output from the processing unit to display theform of the receptacle.

The fifth feature of the present invention resides in a two-dimensionalrepresenting method for a cubic receptacle on which a pattern isattached, the method comprising the steps of: dividing the surface ofthe cubic receptable into a plurality of infinitesimal surfaces;calculating luminance ff each infinitesimal surface when light isirradiated under a predetermined condition using a predetermined lightsource; projecting the cubic receptacle divided into a plurality ofinfinitesimal surfaces on a two-dimensional plane; inputting a patternattached on the cubic receptacle as binary pictorial image; dividing thepattern thus input into a plurality of infinitesimal surfaces so as tocorrespond to the respective infinitesimal surfaces of the cub:creceptacle with one-to-one relationship when the input pattern isattached on the cubic receptacle; giving color numbers indicatingbackground to infinitesimal surfaces of the background portion of thepattern and giving color numbers indicating colors of portions exceptfor the background portion thereto; determining a color value in respectof the portion at which the pattern is not attached and the portion atwhich the infinitesimal surface of the pattern, to which a color numberindicating the background is given, is attached on the basis of at leasta receptacle body color and luminance of the infinitesimal color amongrespective infinitesimal surfaces of the projected cubic receptacle, anddetermining a color value in respect of the portion at which theinfinitesimal surface, tto which a color number indicating color isgiven, is attached on the basis of at least luminance and the colornumber of the last-mentioned infinitesimal surface thereamong; andgiving a color value to each infinitesimal surface constituting thecubic receptacle projected on the two-dimensional plane to represent thecubic receptacle as two-dimensional color image, thus coloring thepattern input as the binary pictorial image, and making it possible toapply two-dimensional representation to the cubic receptacle with thebackground portion of the pattern being erased.

The sixth feature of the present invention resides in displaying atwo-dimensional pictorial image inputted from a pictorial image inputunit on a display unit, effecting wire frame display of a primitivefigure based on three-dimensional data on the displayed pictorial image,thereafter applying figure conversion only to the primitive figure inaccordance with the input conditions to allow the primitive figure to beadapted to the two-dimensional pictorial image, forming atwo-dimensional projected image of the primitive figure on the basis ofthe input condition obtained when it is judged that the primitive figureand the two-dimensional pictorial image are adapted to each other, andcomposing the two-dimensional projected image and the two-dimensionalpictorial image to form an image.

The seventh feature of the present invention resides in a method ofrepresenting an impression of material quality when representing athree-dimensional figure having a predetermined body color placed in aspace having a predetermined background in a two-dimensional manner, themethod comprising the steps of dividing the surface of thethree-dimensional figure into a plurality of infinitesimal surfaces,calculating luminance of each infinitesimal surface when light isirradiated under a predetermined condition using a predetermined lightsource by using background light component, diffusion reflectioncomponent and specular reflection component inherent in the materialquality as parameters, and evaluating an intermediate value of theluminance from the calculated result, wherein when luminance is smallerthan the intermediate value, infinitesimal surfaces of an opaquematerial quality in which the diffusion specular component and thespecular reflection component are nearly equal to each other arerepresented using a body color having lightness corresponding to theluminance value, while when luminance is larger than the intermediatevalue, they are represented using a mixed color obtained by mixing lightsource color of the light source with the material color in accordancewith the luminance value, wherein infinitesimal surfaces of opaquematerial quality in which diffusion reflection component and specularreflection component are different to some extent are represented byusing body color having lightness corresponding to luminance value,wherein when infinitesimal surfaces have transparent material quality,infinitesimal surfaces having luminance larger than the intermediatevalue are represented as a mixed color of light source color of thelight source with background color of the background, and infinitesimalsurfaces having luminance lower than the intermediate value arerepresented as a mixed color of the material color with the backgroundcolor, such a representation being performed so that the ratio of thelight source color is increased according as luminance becomes higherand the ratio of the material color is increased according as luminancebecomes lower, thereby replacing the three-dimensional figure withtwo-dimensional pictorial image having an impression of materialquality, thus making it possible to realize representation having morefaithful impression of material quality, and to realize representationhaving an impression of material quality partially different.

The eighth feature of the present invention resides in an attention tothe fact that vector data has less data quantity and is suitable forgeometrical conversion processing to scan raster data of characters pereach line to take out coordinate values of the X-Y coordinate systemwith respect to the origin set on the character of the initial andterminal points in regard to only the character poriion, thus to changethem to vector data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a designing process according tothe conventional method;

FIG. 2 a flowchart illustrating one embodiment according to the, presentinvention;

FIGS. 3, 4, 5a, 5b and 6 are explanatory views showing one example of across sectional form inputting method based on a method according to thepresent invention, respectively.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an apparatusaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a designing process based on a methodaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of anapparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the capacity calculating operation in theapparatus shown in FIG. 9;

FIGS. 11(a), 11(b) and 11(c), are explanatory views showing theoperation in FIG. 10 in a concrete manner, respectively.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation for calculating resinamount in the apparatus shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing the operation in FIG. 12 in aconcrete manner;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view for a method of determining a liquidlevel based on the capacty calculation;

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining the capacity calculation;

FIGS. 16 to 18 are views for explaining a method of determining thereceptacle internal capacity, respectively;

FIGS. 19 and 20 are views for explaining a method of determining resinamount and a method of determining the internal capacity inconsideration of the resin amount;

FIG. 21 is a view illustrating one example of a representativereceptacle of body of revolution handled in the apparatus according tothe present invention;

FIGS. 22 to 32 are flowcharts showing various operations in the methodof determining the form of the receptacle of body, of revolution usingthe apparatus according to the present invention, respectively;

FIGS. 33 to 36 are views showing figures used for explaining theoperation in FIGS. 27 to 32;

FIG. 37 shows a two-dimensional projected view of a cubic receptacledivided into infinitesimal surfaces;

FIG. 38 shows a view of a pattern given as binary pictorial image;

FIG. 39 is a view showing that the pattern is divided into infinitesimalsurfaces;

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a two-dimensionallyrepresenting method of a cubic receptacle of which a pattern isattached;

FIG. 41 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of a method of forming animage in which the two-dimensional pictorial image and three-dimensionalform are composed;

FIGS. 42(a), 42(b), 42(d) are views showing examples of pictorial imagesat steps S89, S90, S93 and S94 respectively, in the method as shown inFIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a method of representingan expression of material quality when representing thethree-dimensional figure in a two-dimensional manner;

FIG. 44 is an explanatory view showing an example wherein athree-dimensional body is divided into infinitesimal surfaces;infinitesima

FIG. 45 is an explanatory view showing unit vectors normal to respectiveinfinitesimal surfaces;

FIG. 46 is an explanatory view showing the manner in which a body isprojected on the two-dimensional plane;

FIG. 47 and FIGS. 48(a) and 48(b) are graphs showing a colordetermination method based on a method according to the presentinvention;

FIGS. 49 to 51 are explanatory views showing one example of aconventional character font format; and

FIG. 52(a) is a view for explaining raster data of a character which areconverted to vector data;

FIG. 52(b) is a view for explaining a scanning method in a vector dataconversion processing based on raster data scanning in the presentinvention.

BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention will be explained on the basis of embodimentsshown.

<Best mode in regard to the designing method>

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a method according to thepresent invention. In accordance with this embodiment, the first objectof the present invention is achieved. Initially, at step S1,longitudinal cross section of a receptacle is input to a computer.Namely, the longitudinal cross section of a cubic receptacle to bedesigned is taken in as two-dimensional data. When the receptacle is asymmetric one such as a body of revolution, it is sufficient to onlyinput two-dimensional coordinates of the right half or left half of thecross section. For instance, when designing a cubic receptacle as shownin FIG. 3, it is sufficient to input a longitudinal cross section ofonly the right side with respect to the center line (indicated by singledotted lines) as shown in FIG. 4. At this time, it is enough todesignate points A to G in the two-dimensional coordinate system asshown in FIG. 4 to give an instruction so as to connect these respectivepoints using a straight line or a curve. Subsequently, at step S2, theform of the lateral cross section is input. When the cubic receptacle isa complete body of revolution, the input of the form of the lateralcross section is not required. However, in the case of the receptaclewhich is not a body of revolution as shown in FIG. 3, it is necessary toinput the form of the lateral cross section in respect to respectiveportions in the longitudinal cross sectional view shown in FIG. 4. Thus,forms of the respective portions are input on the basis of thelongitudinal cross section shown in FIG. 4. For instance, it isinstructed that the receptacle has a lateral cross section formed asshown in FIG. 5(a) with respect to the segments from points A to D andhas a lateral cross section formed as shown in FIG. 5(b) with respect tothe segments from points D to G. There are various methods ofinstructing the form of the lateral cross section. For instance, whenthe concerned portion is a body of revolution, it is sufficient tosolely designate that the lateral cross section is formed circular.Moreover, in the case of the form as shown in FIG. 5(a), it issufficient to give an equation in respect of the figure thus formed.With respect to forms commonly used, it is effective to register them asthe data base. In addition, in the case of the form as shown in FIG.5(b), such a form can be defined by designating the combination ofcircle and rectangle. This may be accomplished by carrying out adrafting using a drafting instruction of the elementary geometricalfigure such as circle or square on a display, for example. An operatorcan determine the form of the lateral cross section by carrying out adrafting on an interactive basis while observing the display. Whenlateral cross sectional forms of respective portions are thus input, thethree-dimensional form of the cubic receptacle is determined. Forinstance, the lateral cross sectional forms at points D and E may bedesignated thus to make a designation such as to connect these points Dand E using a straight line or a smooth curve.

When the three-dimensional or cubic form is determined, capacitycalculation is performed at step S3. This may be accomplished, forexample, as shown in FIG. 6 by giving positions of a lower level H andan upper level I between which a material to be contained is occupied todesignate a range to be calculated such as indicated by slanting linesin the figure. Then, correction of the form is made at step S4. This maybe performed, for example, by displaying the cross sectional form on adisplay to give an input for changing the cross sectional form so as tobecome equal to the capacity as designated. In addition, at step S5, thetwo-dimensional projected image of the cubic receptacle is displayed onthe display on the basis of the above-described cross sectional form toconduct a comparative study on the form to give an input to change theform, when needed. Upon determination of the form, hard copies of across sectional view and a wire frame diagram are output to study themat step S6.

Subsequently, a procedure for preparing a label attached on thereceptacle surface is conducted. Namely, at step S7, a manuscript of theportion of the pattern among label manuscripts made up by a designer isinput to a computer as two-dimensional data. The pattern is displayed onthe display on the basis of the data thus input to conduct correctionand coloring of the pattern. Such a coloring may be effected, forexample, by dividing the pattern into several areas to carry outcoloring designation per each area. On the other hand, the characterportion of the label manuscript is input as character code at step S9.On the basis of the character code thus input, at step S10, a label ofthe corresponding character font is made up. In a manner stated above,the portion of the pattern and the character portion are independentlyinput. They are finally composed and the label is thus completed. Whenthe correction and composition of the label are completed, data of thecross sectional form and data of the label are linked to prepare ashadow diagram of the receptacle after the label is attached to displayit on the display at step S11. If correction is further required at thistime, the operation may return to the preceeding step to repeat thecorrection. Finally, at step S12, a hard copy of the shadow diagram ofthe receptacle on which the label is attached is output.

As stated above, in accordance with the designing method according tothe present invention, the cross section of the cubic receptacle and thelabel attached thereon are input to the computer as two-dimensional datato apply a necessary correction to them, thereafter to link these datato output the two-dimensional projected image of the cubic receptacle onwhich the label is attached, thus making it possible to lessen labor andtime required for design.

<Best mode in regard to the designing apparatus>

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the arrangement of an apparatusaccording to the present invention. In accordance with this embodiment,the first object of the present invention is achieved. For a processingunit 101, e.g., a main frame computer may be used. To the processingunit 101, a coordinate input unit 102, a pictorial image input unit 103and a character code input unit 107 are connected as the input device,and a display unit 104, a line drawing output unit 105 and a color hardcopy unit 106 are connected as the output device. The coordinate inputunit 102 is a device which inputs the cross section of the cubicreceptacle as two-dimensional coordinates, and may be constituted, e.g.,with a digitizer, a tablet, a mouse, and a write pen etc. The pictorialimage input unit 103 is a device which inputs the original drawing ofthe pattern of the label attached on the surface of the cubic receptacleas binary pictorial image or color gradation pictorial image data, andmay be constituted, e.g., with a scanner or a CCD camera etc. On theother hand, the character code input unit 107 is a device which inputscharacter data of the label attached on the cubic receptacle, and may beconstituted, e.g., with a word processor connected to a computer as theprocessing unit 101. The character code input with the word processorwill be converted to character font in the computer thereafter to becombined with pattern data. Moreover, the display unit 104 is a devicewhich displays the two-dimensional projected image and the pattern ofthe cubic receptable, and further displays instructions required for anoperator. This display unit 104 may be constituted with a plurality ofdisplays corresponding to contents to be displayed. For instance, amonochromatic display and a high resolution color display can be usedfor displaying the condition of the cross section input of the cubicreceptacle and its wire frame diagram and for displaying thetwo-dimensional projected images of the label and the receptacle onwhich the label is attached, respectively.

The line drawing output unit 105 is a device which outputs, onto apaper, the two-dimensional projected image of the cubic receptacle asthe line drawing, i.e., the wire frame diagram, and may be constituted,e.g., with an XY plotter which handles a two-dimensional projected imageas a vector pictorial image. In addition, the color hard copy unit 106is a device which outputs the two-dimensional projected image of thepicture pattern or the cubic receptacle on which the pattern is attachedonto a paper with color representation, and may be constituted, e.g.,with a film recoder or a color printer etc. which handles thetwo-dimensional projected image as a raster pictorial image.

With such a designing apparatus, the cubic receptacle will be designedas follows. Initially, a cross sectional form of the receptacle is inputfrom the coordinate input unit 102. The result thus input is displayedon the display unit 104 and whether or not moldability, dimension andcapacity etc. are suitable is judged by the processing unit. Thus,correction of the coordinate input is repeated until the form which isin conformity with the requirement of a person who has given the orderis obtained. The finally accepted form is output from the line drawingoutput unit 105 as the wire frame diagram. Then, an original drawing ofthe label is input from the pictorial image input unit 103 and thecharacter code input unit 107. A pattern described by a designer isloaded on a scanner etc. and is convertd to two-dimensional data. Thus,characters are input from the word processor etc. as character codes andare converted to character fonts. They are displayed on the display unit104, respectively. At this stage, necessary correction and coloring areconducted. A hard copy of the colored label can be obtained with thecolor hard copy unit 106. When the position on the cubic receptacle onwhich the label is to be attached and its area are input, the processingunit 101 links data indicative of the form of the cubic receptacle withdata indicative of the label to output the two-dimensional projectedimage of the cubic receptacle on which the label is attached with colorrepresentation. If necessary, correction is made thereto to finallyoutput the hard copy from the color hard copy unit 106. The hard copythus obtained is presented to the person who has given the order.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the process for designing a cubicreceptacle using the above-described designing apparatus. When comparedto the conventional designing process shown in FIG. 1, it is seen thatthe total process has been quite simplified. Initially, planning 1 ispresented by a person who gives an order for a receptacle to effectcondition setting/information gathering 2. Then, a designing step 30using the designing apparatus according to the present invention isimplemented on the basis of the above information. Namely, narrowingdown of design and moldability studying 1 and form designing andcalculation of dimension and capacity 32 are first carried out. This isaccomplished as previously described by inputting the cross sectionalform from the coordinate input unit 102 to correct the input indicativeof the form with reference to the form and various calculated resultsdisplayed on the display unit 104. Subsequently, a surface designstudying 33 is carried out on the basis of the label input from thepictorial image input unit 103 and the character code input unit 107 toconduct a study 34 on the form of a final product on which the label isattached to finally output a hard copy 35 of the drawing and the productform. The designing step 30 stated above can be impleented by onlyapplying a predetermined operation to input/output equipment of thedesigning apparatus by an operator, resulting in no need to actuallyconduct trial-manufacturing of a model or to manufacture a design dummyas in the conventional designing method. When the hard copy output isfinally obtained, presentation 17 which presents it to the person whohas given the order is conducted. If restudying is required, thedesigning step 30 is carried out for a second time. In this instance,necessary correction is only implemented to the data having beenpreviously input, thus enabling change of the design. The presentationto the person who has given the order is only carried out in the form ofa color hard copy of a two-dimensional projected image of the cubicreceptacle on which the label is attached in a manner stated above.Thus, the person who has given the order can always check the productusing a completed drawing. When determination 18 of the final form andthe pattern is made, receptacle manufacturing 19 is implemented anddelivery of goods 20 is then conducted. Thus, various processes in theconventional method shown in FIG. 1 are all inclusively implemented atthe designing step 30, and this step is easily executed in an extremelyshort time using the computer.

As stated above, in accordance with the designing apparatus according tothis embodiment, the cross section of the cubic receptacle and theoriginal drawing of the label attached thereon are input to the computeras two-dimensional data to implement necessary correction thereto,thereafter to link these data to output the two-dimensional projectedimage of the cubic receptacle on which the label is attached, thusmaking it possible to lessen labor and time required for design.

<Best mode for determining the amount to be contained and the materialamount of the receptacle>

In the designing method explained on the basis of the flowchart shown inFIG. 2, a mode for determining the amount to be contained and thematerial amount at step S3 will be described. Generally, most of cubicreceptacles are receptacles formed as a body of revolution. Anembodiment which will be described shows the best mode when the methodat step S3 in FIG. 3 is applied. It is to be noted that the presentinvention is applicable to receptacles except for body of revolution.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an arrangement of an apparatusaccording to this embodiment. This apparatus is constituted by adding anumerical value input unit 108 to the apparatus shown in FIG. 7. Forimplementing the mode according to this embodiment, the processing unit111, the coordinate input device 102, the numerical value input device108 and the display 104 are used. For the numerical input unit 108, akeyboard or a menu region etc. of a digitizer may be used.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the computing operation relating to thereceptacle content among the operation contents in the apparatus shownin FIG. 9. FIGS. 11(a) to 11(c) are explanatory views showing thecomputational operation in a concrete manner, respectively.

In this apparatus, first is to input data indicative of the crosssectional form using the coordinate input unit 102 (S13). Such an inputis performed by inputting coordinates indicative of vertices of the halfof the longitudinal cross section (right half in this case) of thereceptacle with respect to the rotational axis designated in advance.Subsequent to this, a liquid level and a bottom position are input(S14). The liquid level indicates a liquid surface position when liquidis poured into the receptacle. As shown in the central portion in FIG.11(a), predetermined points on the line defining the form cross sectionare designated by the coordinate input unit. Thus the apparatuscalculates the capacity of hatched portions of the figure shown at thebottom portion (S15). This hatched portion indicates the capacity whenthe receptacle is fully filled with liquid.

One possibility is that the receptacle designing is thus completed.Another possibility is that the receptacle designing is completed afterthe calculation of capacity when the head space is determined ordetermination of a liquid level position when the amount of liquid isdetermined is further carried out.

Thus whether or not calculation is further required is confirmed at stepS16 (S16). When not required, the operation is completed. In contrast,when required, the operation shifts to step S17.

At step S17, whether the internal capacity of the receptacle based onthe head space input should be calculated or the liquid level positionbased on the input of the amount of liquid should be calculated isjudged to shift to either of the calculations. Namely, when the headspace, i.e., the size of the space provided above the liquid is inputusing the coordinate input unit as shown by the upper portion in FIG.11(b) (S18), a new liquid level position is calculated as shown by thefigure located below in FIG. 11(b) (S19), and the capacity calculationbased on the change in the liquid level is carried out (S20). On theother hand, when the amount of liquid is input by the numerical valueinput unit (S21), the liquid level position corresponding to the amountof the liquid is calculated (S22). FIG. 11(c) shows this relationship.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the computational operation relating tothe amount of resin among the operation contents in the apparatus shownin FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing the content of thecomputational operation thereof in a concrete manner.

Also in this case, form data is input using the coordinate inputapparatus (S23). Thus, the uppermost figure is input. Then, thereceptacle thickness is input using the numerical value input unit(S24). Thus, the processing unit calculates the amount of resin (S25).The hatched portion of the figure at the central portion in FIG. 13indicates the thickness of the receptacle and the amount of resin willbe determined in accordance with the thickness. Then, when a liquidlevel is input using the coordinate input apparatus (S26), thecalculation on the capacity is carried out (S27). The figure shownlowermost in FIG. 13 indicates the liquid level and the capacity.

The outline of the calculations on the capacitor and the amount of resinhas been explained as stated above and its detailed explanation will benow made in conjunction with FIGS. 14 to 20.

FIG. 14 shows a method of determining the liquid level and the bottom.When a point is designated in the inner side of a form line of areceptacle, a point on the form line which is the shortest from thedesignated point denotes the position of the liquid level or the bottom.

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining the capacity calculation. The capacityof the turbinated or inverted cone formed by coordiantes (x_(i), y_(i))and (x_(i+1), y_(i+1)) with the rotation shaft being as center as shownis obtained as

    V.sub.i =n/3×(y.sub.i -y.sub.i+1)×(x.sub.i.sup.2 +x.sub.i x.sub.i+1 +x.sub.i+1.sup.2)                               (1)

FIGS. 16 to 18 show methods of determing internal capacity of thereceptacle wherein the methods in the respective figures are differentfrom each other.

Among them, FIG. 16 shows the method based on the designation of theliquid level position. Upon determination of the liquid level by theliquid leel determination method shown in FIG. 14, capacity iscalculated by the capacity determination method shown in FIG. 15. Inthis instance, since the form line indicates a hand drum-shapedreceptacle, the capacity calculation is carried out with the receptaclebeing divided into V₁, V₂ and V₃.

Moreover, FIG. 17 shows the method based on the designation of the headspace. To carry out this, first is to designate a liquid level positionwhen the receptacle is fully filled with liquid using the method shownin FIG. 14 to designate a distance between the position at full liquidand height of the liquid surface thereby to determine the position ofthe liquid level to determine the internal capacity. Namely, assumingthat the capacity V at full liquid has been determined in advance, acapacity ΔV corresponding to the head space is obtained by usin themethod shown in FIG. 15, thus to perform computation of (V-ΔV).

In addition, FIG. 18 shows the method based on the designation of theinternal capacity. After the liquid level on the bottom side when theposition of the pilot line P₁ at full liquid using the method shown inFIG. 14 is designated is fixed, the internal volume V is input, therebydetermining the position of a liquid level P' on the liquid side.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show a method of determining the amount of resin and amethod of determining internal capacity in consideration of the amountof resin.

In these methods, FIG. 19 shows the method of determining the amount ofresin. The receptacle thickness is designated with respect to the formdata in FIG. 19(1) thereby to obtain the figure in FIG. 19(2) tosubtract internal capacity V₂ from a capacity V₁ ; including thethickness to obtain a resin amount V_(r).

Here, to obtain the thickness, as shown in FIG. 19(4), a straight lineparallel to a straight line connecting data points and having a distancet with respect thereto is obtained to use intersecting points of thesestraight lines as cross section data.

Moreover, FIG. 20 shows a method of determining internal capacity inconsideration of the thickness of the receptacle. The thickness of thereceptacle is designated with respect to form data in FIG. 20(1) toobtain cross section data in FIG. 20(2) thus to determine internalcapacity. The method of determining the thickness in this case is basedon FIG. 20(3) similar to FIG. 19(4).

As stated above, this embodiment is implemented to input position datasuch as cross sectional form of the receptacle using the coordinateinput apparatus to input numeric data, e.g., receptacle capacity orreceptacle thickness etc. using the numeric data input unit to performcomputational processing while displaying the input contents on thedisplay, thereby to evaluate the receptacle capacity or the resin amountetc. Accordingly, when compared to the conventional designing workincluding desk work or actually manufacturing process, this embodimentcan carry out the receptacle designing with an extremely higherefficiency.

<Best mode for determining the form of the receptacle>

Here, in the designing method which has been explained on the basis ofthe flowchart shown in FIG. 2, one mode for determining the form atsteps S1, S2 and S4 will be described. An embodiment which is describedhere shows the best mode in connection with the receptacle of the bodyof revolution similar to the above-described embodiment, but the presentinvention is applicable to receptacles except for bodies of revolution.

For implementing the mode according to this embodiment, the processingunit 101, the coordinate input unit 102, the numerical value input unit108 and the display unit 104 are used in the same manner as in theabove-described embodiment in the block diagram shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 21 shows an example of a representative form of the receptaclehandled in the apparatus according to the present invention wherein thecross sectional form of only the left half with the rotational axisbeing as center is shown. In this figure, height represents the maximumsize in the direction of the rotational axis, width represents themaximum size in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axisdirection of the receptacle, opening radius represents a radius of theopening end of the liquid containing portion, capacity represents acapacity from the bottom of the liquid containing portion to the liquidlevel i.e. the liquid surface position when the liquid is filled, andtaper represents an inclination of each component defining the form.

FIGS. 22 to 32 show receptacle form determination methods carried in theapparatus according to the present invention, respectively, and theyhave relationships as shown in the following table.

    ______________________________________                                                Designated items                                                                          Fixed items                                               ______________________________________                                        FIG. 22   Capacity      Taper                                                 FIG. 23   Height, width None                                                  FIG. 24   Height        Capacity                                              FIG. 25   Width         Capacity                                              FIG. 26   Taper         Capacity                                              FIG. 27   Partial height                                                                              Width, partial form                                   FIG. 28   Capacity      Width, partial form                                   FIG. 29   Partial height                                                                              Taper, partial form                                   FIG. 30   Capacity      Taper, partial form                                   FIG. 31   Taper         Capacity, partial form                                FIG. 32   Opening radius                                                                              Capacity, taper                                       ______________________________________                                    

The operation contents will be described in connection with dimensionslisted in the above Table, respectively. The explanation of contentsshown in FIGS. 27 to 32 will be made in conjunction with FIGS. 33 to 36.

The method in FIG. 22 shows that taper is fixed and the capacity isdesignated. First is to select the content from the menu using thecoordinate input apparatus (S28). Next is to input capacity using thenumerical value input unit (S29). Thus, the processing unit calculatescoordinate values (S30) to display its result on the display unit (S31).

Algorithm of the processing unit in this case is as follows: ##EQU1##

The method in FIG. 23 shows that fixed item is absent, and height andwidth are designated. First is to select the content from the menu usingthe coordinate input unit (S32). Next is to input height and width usingthe numerical value input unit (S33, S34). Thus, the processing unitcalculates the coordinate value (S35) to display its result on thedisplay unit (S36).

Algorithm of the processing unit in this case is as follows:

H_(old), W_(old) : old height and old width, respectively,

H_(new), W_(new) : new height and new width, respectively,

    h=H.sub.new /H.sub.old                                     (4),

    w=W.sub.new /W.sub.old                                     (5),

    x.sub.i '=w×x.sub.i                                  (6), and

    y.sub.1 '=h×y.sub.i                                  (7).

The method in FIG. 24 shows that the capacity is fixed and height isdesignated. First is to select the content from the menu (S37)thereafter to input height (S38). Thus, the processing unit calculatesthe coordinate value (S39) to display its result on the display unit(S40).

Algorithm of the processing unit in this case is as follows: ##EQU2##

The method in FIG. 25 shows that capacity is fixed and width isdesignated. First is to select the content from the menu (S41)thereafter to input width (S42). Thus, the processing unit calculatesthe coordinate value (S43) to display its result on the display unit(S44).

Algorithm of the processing unit in this case is as follows:

    w=W.sub.new /W.sub.old                                     (11),

    x.sub.i '=w×x.sub.i                                  (12), and

    y.sub.i =1/w.sup.2×y.sub.i                           (13).

The method in FIG. 26 shows that capacity is fixed and taper isdesignated. First is to select the content from the menu (S45) to inputtaper (S46). Thus, the processing unit calculates the coordinate value(S47) to display its result on the display unit (S48).

Algorithm of the processing unit in this case is as follows: ##EQU3##

The method in FIG. 27 shows that width and partial form are fixed andpartial height is designated. First is to select the content from themenu using the coordinate input unit (S49) and to input a portion to bechanged (S50), thereafter to input height using the numerical valueinput unit (S51). Thus the processing unit calculates the coordinatevalue (S52) to display its result on the display unit (S53).

Algorithm of the processing unit in this case will be explained by usingFIG. 33. It is now assumed that the height of the turbinated or invertedconical portion V₂ is changed from h to h' in the receptacle comprisingtwo cylindrical portions V₁ and V₃ and the turbinated pOrtiOn V₂(changed from FIG. 33(1) to FIG. 33(2)). As a result, according to theheight of the inverted conical porton V₂ is changed, the capacity andtaper are also changed.

In connection with the method in FIG. 28, the explanation of the methodin FIG. 27 is applicable thereto except that the step S51 for inputtingheight in the method in FIG. 27 is changed to step S56 for inputtingcapacity.

The method in FIG. 29 shows that taper and partial form are fixed andpartial height is designated. First is to select the content from themenu (S59) and to input a portion to be changed (S60), thereafter toinput height (S61). Thus the processing unit calculates the coordinatevalue (S62) to display its result on the display unit (S63).

Algorithm of the processing unit in this case will be explained by usingFIG. 34. Assuming now that an original height and a designated heightare represented by h and h', respectively, the figure after change whenthe original figure corresponds to that in FIG. 34(1) can take the formsin FIGS. 34(2) and 34(3). Namely, the width is changed in the case ofFIG. 34(2), whereas the width is not caused to be changed in the case ofFIG. 34(3). As a result, changes in the capacity are occurring. Thecontents of the algorithm are as follows: ##EQU4##

By evaluating C₁, C₂ and C₃ in connection with the reSpective cases, theform is determined.

FIG. 30 refers to the content in respect of the change in capacity andthe explanation of FIG. 29 is applicable thereto except that the stepS61 for inputting height in FIG. 29 is changed to step S66 for inputtingcapacity.

The method in FIG. 31 shows that capacity and partial form are fixed andtaper is designated. First is to select the content from the menu (S69)and to input a portion to be changed (S70), thereafter to input taper(S71). Thus the processing unit calculates the coordinate value (S72) todisplay its result on the display unit (S73).

Algorithm of the processing unit in this case is shown in FIG. 35 andthis is common to the algorithm in FIG. 34.

The method in FIG. 32 shows that taper and partial form are fixed andopening radius is designated. First is to select the content from themenu (S74) and to input a portion to be changed (S75), thereafter toinput the opening radius (S76). Thus the processing unit calculates thecoordinate value (S77) to display its result on the display unit (S78).

Algorithm of the processing unit in this case is shown in FIG. 36 andthis is common to the algorithm in FIG. 34.

As stated above, this embodiment is implemented to input position dataof elements constituting the cross sectional form of the receptacle andnumeric data including the receptacle internal capacity thereby tocompute coordinate values to display the receptacle form, thus making itpossible to obtain with ease receptacle forms when the form constituentelements are altered, respectively, resulting in great contribution tothe receptacle designing.

<Best mode for realizing two-dime.nsional representation of the cubicreceptacle on which a pattern is attached>

Here, in the designing method which has been explained on the basis ofthe flowchart shown in FIG. 2, a best mode of the process shown at thestep S11 will be explained. As previously described, in accordance withthe designing method shown in the flow chart in FIG. 2, the form of thecubic receptacle is determined at the steps S1 to S6 and the patt.ernattached on the cubic receptacle is input at the steps S7 and S8.Accordingly, at step S11, a shadow diagram showing the condition thatthe input pattern is attached on the cubic receptacle as a label will bemade up.

In other words, the work at the step S11 can be said to be the workwhich represents the cubic receptacle as three-dimensional figure usingthe two-dimensional representation given by the shadow diagram. Such atechnique for two-dimensionally representing the three-dimensionalfigure is extremely widely used in various fields. Particularly, amethod of designing a cubic receptacle on which the pattern is attachedusing a computer is recently proposed. This method is to define a cubicreceptacle using the three-dimensional coordinate system to project iton the two-dimensional plane to take in the pattern attached thereon astwo-dimensional data to compose these respective data on the computer,thus to obtain a two-dimensional projected image of the cubic receptacleon which the pattern is attached.

However, there are two drawbacks with the conventional method. Firstdrawback is that it is unable to represent in a two-dimensional mannerthe cubic receptacle on which a pattern which has been input as binarypictorial image and then colored is attached. Here, the binary pictorialimage refers to a pictorial image obtained as set of pixels havingeither of binary digits, e.g., white or black. With the conventionalmethod, when color picture pattern is attached, there can be employedonly a method to input color pattern manuscripts using a scanner etc. tocompose them. Second drawback is that it is unable to attach the patternon the cubic receptacle with the background portion thereof beingerased. For instance, in the case where a picture pattern as shown inFIG. 38 is attached on a receptacle as shown in FIG. 37, although it ispreferable that an area indicated by slanting lines in FIG. 39 isdisplayed in a manner that the surface of the cubic receptacleoriginally looks transparent because this area corresponds to thebackground portion of the pattern, since all portions within the frameat the time of inputting the pattern manuscript is handled as thepattern with the conventional method, the background portions within theframe had been displayed with any color being applied thereto.

In accordance with the embodiment disclosed here, it is possible torepresent the cubic receptacle on which a pattern which has been inputas binary pictorial image and then colored is attached with thebackground portion of the pattern being erased.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart of a method according to this embodiment whereinthe entirety of the procedure of the flowchart corresponds to the stepS11 in FIG. 2. Initially, at step S79, a cubic receptacle is dividedinto a plurality of infinitesimal surfaces. For instance, in the case ofa cup as shown in FIG. 37, the cubic receptacle is divided intomesh-shapedssegments as shown. Since such a division is carried out bydirectly using the three-dimensional coordinate system, the back of thecup (which is partially illustrated in the figure) is also divided, withthe result that infinitesimal surfaces exist. It is to be noted thatcoarse division is conducted for convenience of explanation in FIG. 37,but extremely fine division is actually to be carried out.

Subsequently, at step S80, luminance of each infinitesimal surface iscalculated. Namely, position of a light source, position of the visualpoint and the like are set to calculate luminance I of eachinfinitesimal surface on the basis of the following equation: ##EQU5##where I_(a) represents luminance based on a scattered light of ambientenvironment, K_(d) a diffusion reflection factor, N a unit norm vectoron the material surface, L_(j) a unit vector in a direction of the lightsource on the j-th surface, K_(s) a specular reflection factor, L_(j) 'a unit vecotor of a regularly reflected light of the j-th light source,E a unit vector in a direction of the visual point, n an index dependentupon brilliance of the object surface, and m the number of lightsources. In the equation (29), the first term of the right side is abackground light component, the second term thereof is a diffusionreflection component, and the third term is a specular reflectioncomponent. Since this model is described in detail in "Illumination forComputer Generated Pictures" by Phong, C. ACM (1975), pp. 311 to 317,detailed explanation is omitted here. When there is a need to representan impression of material quality with respect to each infinitesimalsurface of the cubic receptacle, it is sufficient to set values of K_(d)and K_(s) in the equation (29) to suitable values in consideration ofthe impression of material quality.

Then, at step S81, a judgement whether each infinitesimal surface isvisible or invisible is made. It is sufficient for this to carry outprocessing, e.g., using Z buffer algorithm. The Z buffer algorithm is amethod to compare Z-coordiante values indicative of depth in the figureshown in FIG. 37 with each other to judge whether each depth is aportion which can be viewed from the visual point or a portion whichcannot be viewed therefrom. Since this method is the conventionally wellknown method, detailed explanation is omitted here.

Subsequently, at step S82, visible infinitesimal surfaces are projectedon the two-dimensional plane. Namely, the cubic receptacle representedby XYZ is projected on the XY plane. For the method of projecting thethree-dimensional material object on the two-dimensional plane, widevariety of methods using various coordinate systems are known.Accordingly, its explanation is omitted here.

Then, at step S83, a pattern is input as binary pictorial image. It issufficient to take in a pattern as shown in FIG. 38, for example, asdata having binary digits of white and black. In actual, this work hasbeen already completed at the steps S7 and S8 of the flowchart shown inFIG. 2.

Subsequently, at step S84, the pattern thus input is divided intoinfinitesimal surfaces. This is a division carried out in thetwo-dimensional coordinate system as indicated by broken lines in FIG.39. In addition, when this pattern is attached on the cubic receptacle,the infinitesimal surfaces of the cubic receptacle and the infinitesimalsurfaces of the pattern are caused to have positionally one-to-onecorrespondence relationship. For instance, when consideration is takeninto the case where the pattern in FIG. 39 is attached to portionsindicated by slanting lines of the cubic receptacle shown in FIG. 37,the infinitesimal surface A of the cubic receptacle in FIG. 37corresponds to the infinitesimal surface A' of the pattern shown in FIG.39. Since such a division is extremely fine in actual as previouslydescribed, one infinitesimal surface in FIG. 39 is not a large area likethe infinitesimal surface A' but an area approximately corresponding toone pixel.

Then, at step S85, color numbers are given to respective infinitesimalsurfaces of the pattern shown in FIG. 39. Since each infinitesimalsurface is a unit surface corresponding to one pixel as previouslydescribed, it is not efficient to give color numbers to theseinfinitesimal surfaces, respectively. Thus, it is preferable to dividethe pattern into a plurality of closed areas to designate color numberper each closed region to give the same color number collectively to theinfinitesimal surface within the closed area thus designated. Thepattern shown in FIG. 38, for example, is composed of two areas of whiteand black. First, color numbers are given to white closed areasencircled by black, respectively. W1 to W7 in the figure denote thewhite closed areas, as an example. For designation of color numbers, forinstance, a pattern is displayed on a color display and an operatordesignates in turn color numbers of respective areas while observing thedisplay, thus to constitute a system so that the areas are filled withcolors corresponding to the designated color numbers. The operator caneasily correct the color numbers by making use of the feedback ofcoloring display by the display. When the color number designation iscompleted in regard to the white closed areas, color number designationin regard to the black closed areas is conducted. B1 to B3 in the figureare the black closed areas, as an example. Color number indicative ofbackground is further designated to the infinitesimal surface within thearea BB of the background portion of the pattern. Thus, color numbersare given to all the infinitesimal surfaces of the color picture.

Then, at step S86, color value of each infinitesimal surface of thecubic receptacle projected as shown in FIG. 37 is determined. Thedetermination of the color value is made by employing the followingthree methods depending upon the attribute of the infinitesimal surface.

(1) The case of the infinitesimal surface on which the pattern is notattached

For instance, in the case of the infinitesimal surface on which apattern like the infinitesimal surface C in FIG. 37 is not attached,color value is determined on the basis of at least the body color andluminance of the infinitesimal surface. For instance, it is sufficientto effect RGB representation of material color having lightnesscorresponding to luminance. In addition, by further using a valueindicative of an impression of material quality as a parameter, colorvalue may be determined.

(2) The case of the infinitesimal surface on which an infinitesimalsurface to which a color number indicative of background is given isattached

For instance, in the case of the infinitesimal surface of the cubicreceptacle on which infinitesimal surfaces within the area BB in FIG. 38are attached, color determination may be made in the same manner as inthe item (1). Thus the surface of the cubic receptacle is represented asit is on the area indicated by slanting lines in FIG. 39.

(3) The case of the infinitesimal surface on which an infinitesimalsurface of the pattern to which color number indicative of color isgiven is attached

For instance, in the case of the infinitesimal surface of the cubicreceptacle on which infinitesimal surfaces within areas W1 to W7 in FIG.38 are attached, color value is determined on the basis of at leastluminance and color number. For instance, colors corresponding torespective color numbers may be defined in advance to determinelightness of the color in accordance with luminance to effect RGBrepresentation. In addition, by further using a value indicative of animpression of material quality as a parameter, color value may bedetermined.

The detail of the above-described color value determination method willbe explained in <the best mode for representing an impression ofmaterial quality> which will be described later.

Finally, at step S87, the cubic receptacle is represented astwo-dimensional color pictorial image. Since color values have beenalready determined with respect to all the infinitesimal surfacesprojected on the two-dimensional plane, such a representation isrealized by representing respective infinitesimal surfaces with thecolor values. Since each infinitesimal surface corresponds to one pixelof the display as previously described, each pixel will be representedas color value of RGB data.

In a manner stated above, the two-dimensional representation of thecubic receptacle on which the pattern is attached can be conducted.

As stated above, in accordance with this embodiment, when representingin a two-dimensional manner a cubic receptacle on which pattern isattached, the cubic receptacle projected in a two-dimensional manner andthe pattern which has been input as binary pictorial image and thencolored are divided into infinitesimal surfaces with their havingone-to-one correspondence, respectively, whereby color values ofportions on which the pattern is not attached and portions on which thebackground of the picture pattern is attached are determined on thebasis of the body color and luminance of the cubic receptacle, and colorvalues of portions on which portions except for the background of thepattern are attached are determined on the basis of color numbersattached on the pattern and luminance. Accordingly, this enablestwo-dimensional representation of the cubic receptacle on which thepattern which has been input as binary pictorial image and then coloredis attached with the background portion of the pattern being erased.

<Best mode for forming an image obtained by composing two-dimensionalpictorial image and three

dimensional form>

Here, in the designing method which has been explained on the basis ofthe flowchart shown in FIG. 2, a further different best mode of theprocess shown at the step S11 will be explained. In the above-describedembodiment, the method for performing the two-dimensional representationof a cubic receptacle on which a pattern is attached has been explained.One method for forming an image indicating that a three-dimensional orcubic receptacle is disposed within a two-dimensional backgroundpictorial image is disclosed herein.

For implementing the method according to this embodiment, the processingunit 101, the coordinate input unit 102, the pictorial image input unit103, the display unit 104 and the numerical value input unit 108 areused among units shown in FIG. 9. For the pictorial image input unit103, a scanner or a line sensor etc. is used to take in thetwo-dimensional background pictorial image. In the flowchart in FIG. 2,such a taking-in work is carried out at the steps S7 and S8. The form(which is referred to as a "primitive figure" herein) of the cubicreceptacle to be combined with the background pictorial image is inputusing the coordinate input unit 102 or the numerical value input unit108. In the flowchart in FIG. 2, the primitive figure is input at thesteps S1 to S6. Composition is carried out in the processing unit 101and the pictorial image which has undergone composition is displayed onthe display unit 104. Accordingly, an operator can perform conversion ofthe primitive figure on the basis of the interactive system whileobserving a displayed pictorial image on the display unit 104.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the contents of the method according tothis embodiment wherein figures handled at respective steps in theflowchart are shown in FIGS. 42(a) to 42(d), as an example. In thisexample, a pictorial image of a showcase is used as a backgroundtwo-dimensional pictorial image S and a cylindrical material object isused as a primitive figure p to be composed.

First, a pictorial image e of the showcase is input using the pictorialimage input unit (S88). This data is stored into a memory of thecomputational unit and is displayed on the display unit (S89). Thedisplayed image is the image shown in FIG. 42(a).

Then, by step S90, three-dimensional data of the primitive figure isinput using the coordinate input unit with the pictorial image of theshowcase being displayed on the display unit, or data of the primitivefigure having three-dimensional data stored in advance is read to effectwire frame display. FIG. 42(b) shows the displayed pictorial image atthis time.

While observing the displayed pictorial image, an operator operates thecoordinate input unit or the numeral input unit to perform conversion ofthe primitive figure (S91). For conversion contents, there are, forexample, rotational angle, vlsual point position, size, penetrationcondition, positional coordinates, and the like, and light sourceposition or texture etc. may be further added.

When it is recognized that the primitive figure and the showcase areco:ncident with each other from a viewpoint of the operator's sense as aresult of the conversion operation, an input parameter by the coordinateinput unit or the numerical value input unit etc. at that time is storedinto a memory of the computational unit by step S92. This inputparameter has been taken in as three-dimensional data. The computationalunit forms the two-dimensional projected image of the primitive figureon the basis of the three-dimensional data (S93). This figure is thefigure shown in FIG. 42(c). Then, the computational unit composes thetwo-dimensional projected image of the primitive figure and thepictorial image indicative of the showcase to display the compositeimage on the display unit (S94). FIG. 42(d) shows the final imagedisplayed.

Thus, the composite image of the primitive figure and the showcase isobtained on the display unit. From this pictorial image, the composedresult can be confirmed. In addition, the composite pictorial image maybe output as a copy.

As described above, in accordance with this embodiment, an imageobtained by composing the three-dimensional primitive figure and thebackground two-dimensional pictorial image is formed. Accordingly,composition simulation, e.g., a house with respect to scenery, anornament with respect to a furniture, or the like can be simply andpreferably carried out. Namely, because very complicated backgroundtwo-dimensional pictorial image can be utilized and arbitrarythree-dimensional data can be combined with the two-dimensionalpictorial image under arbitrary conditions, the composed result becomesreasonable.

<Best mode for representing an impression of material quality>

Here, in the designing method which has been explained on the basis ofthe flowchart shown in FIG. 2, there is disclosed one mode of theprocess shown in the step S11, particularly one mode capable ofrepresenting an impression of material quality when a three-dimensionalfigure is represented in a two-dimensional manner.

The technique for representing the three-dimensional figure in atwo-dimensional manner is the technique very widely used in variousfields. The problem with this technique is how to represent animpression of material quality of a body constituting thethree-dimensional figure. When light is irradiated to a body or amaterial object, manners of diffusion, reflection and transmission aredifferent depending upon material used. Accordingly, the impression ofmaterial quality is generally represented using a technique whichdetermines color of the image projected in a two-dimensional manner inconsideration of the diffusion, reflection and transmission. However,the drawbacks with the conventional method are that sufficientrepresentation of impression of material quality cannot be performed andrepresentation of the impression of material quality which is differentper each localized portion cannot be performed. In accordance with theembodiment which will be stated herein, when representing athree-dimensional figure in a two-dimensional manner, representation ofa more faithful material quality impression can be performed andrepresentation of the impression of material quality which is partiallydifferent can be attained.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart of a method according to this embodiment. First,at step S95, a material object is divided into a plurality ofinfinitesimal surfaces. For instance, in the case of the cup as shown inFIG. 44, it is divided into mesh like segments as shown. Since such adivision is performed in the three-dimensional coordiaate system as itis, the back (not shown in the figure) of the cup is also divided, withthe result that infinitesimal surfaces exist.

Then, at step S96, impression of material quality and color with respectto each infinitesimal surface are designated. In the case of the cupshown in FIG. 44, it is permitted to change material quality per eachlocalized portion, for example, in a manner that the receptacle portionand its leg portion are formed of plastic and metal, respectively. Inaddition, the designation of color enables representation of the cupwith a pattern being attached on its surface. Although a coarse divisionis employed for convenience of explanation in the example shown in FIG.44, if a more fine division is carried out, the pattern can be finelyrepresented with each infinitesimal surface being as one pixel.

Subsequently, at step S97, luminance of each infinitesimal surface iscalculated. Namely, the position of the light source, the position ofthe visual point and the like are set to evaluate luminance I of eachinfinitesimal surface on the basis of the following equation: ##EQU6##where I_(a) represents luminance by a scattered light of the ambientenvironment, K_(d) diffusion reflection factor, N unit normal vector ofthe body surface, L_(j) the j-th unit vector in a directi the lightsource, K_(s) specular reflection factor, L_(j) ' unit vector of aregularly reflected light of the j-th light source, E unit vector in adirection of the visual point, n index dependent upon brilliance of thebody surface, and m number of light sources. In the equation (30), thefirst term of the right side denotes background light component, thesecond term thereof diffusion reflection component, and the third termthereof specular reflection coponent. Here, the diffusion reflectionfactor K_(d) in the second term and the specular reflection factor K_(s)in the third term are determined depending upon the impression ofmaterial quality of each infinitesimal surface. For instance, whenrepresenting an impression of material quality, the value of K_(s)becomes large, when the impression of earthenware is represented, thevalue of K_(d) becomes large, and when the impression of plastic isrepresented, values of K_(s) and K_(d) are substantially equal to eachother. Since this model is described in detail in "Illumination forComputer Generated Pictures" by Phone, C. ACM (1975), pp 311 to 317, thedetailed explanation is omitted here.

With respect to the infinitesimal surface having an opaqe material,luminance value will be calculated as follows. First, unit normal vectorN of each infinitesimal surface is calculated. For instance, arrows asshown in FIG. 45 are obtained as vectors in the three-dimensionalcoordinate system. Subsequently, I1 in respect of each infinitesimalsurface is calculated. This I1 is a value obtained by calculating theright side of the equation (30), assuming that only the first lightsource is installed. I_(a) of the first term denotes background lightcomponent resulting from the first light source used, and a suitablevalue may be given. The values of K_(s) and K_(d) are determineddepending upon material quality and thus the luminance I1 is calculated.

Then, I2 to Im in respect of respective infinitesimal surfaces arecalculated. I2 is a value obtained by calculating the right side of theequation (30), assuming that only the second light source is installed.Likewise, Im is a value obtained by calculating the right side of theequation (30), assuming that only the m-th light source is installed.The luminance I in respect of respective infinitesimal surfaces isfinally evaluated from the following equation:

    I=I1+I2+ . . . +Im                                         (31)

Then, at step S98, a judgement whether each infinitesimal surface isvisible or invisible is made. It is sufficient for this to executeprocessing, e.g., using Z buffer algorithm. The Z buffer algorithm is amethod to compare Z-coordinate values indicative of depth in the figureshown in FIG. 46 with each other to judge whether each portion is aportion which can be viewed from the visual point or a portion whichcannot be viewed therefrom. Since this method is the conventionally wellknown method, its detailed explanation is omitted here.

Subsequently, at step S99, visible infinitesimal surfaces are projectedon the two-dimensional plan. Namely, the cubic receptacle represented byXYZ is projected on the XY plane. For the method of projecting the threedimensional body on the two-dimensional plane, wide variety of methodsusing various coordinate systems are known. Accordingly, its explanationis omitted here.

Finally, at step S100, color values of respective infinitesimal surfacesprojected are determined. This is accomplished as follows. First, thecomparison between the diffusion reflection factor K_(d) and thespecular reflection factor K_(s) with respect to the infinitesimalsurface is made. Determination is conducted on the basis of its resultby using different methods.

(1) The case of K_(d) ≈K_(s)

When the difference between K_(d) and K_(s) is less than about 10%,i.e., in the case of the infinitesimal surface on which the impressionof material quality such as plastic is represented, luminance of theinfinitesimal surface is referred to to determine color value on thebasis of the graph shown in FIG. 47. First, an intermediate value M ofluminance is determined. With respect to infinitesimal surfaces whereluminance is equal to the intermediate value M, they are representedwith body color having a predetermined lightness. According as luminancebecomes lower, lightness is caused to be reduced. In contrast, accordingas luminance becomes higher from the intermediate value M, light sourcecolor is mixed with the body color, such a mixing being conducted sothat the higher luminance is, the more the ratio of the light sourcecolor is. Thus, determination is carried out so that color of theinfinitesimal color becomes body color having a predetermined lightnessor a predetermined mixing ratio of the body color and the light sourcecolor.

(2) The case of K_(d) >K_(s)

In the case where K_(d) is larger than K_(s) to some extent, i.e., inthe case of the infinitesimal surface to exhibit impression of materialquality such as earthenware, luminance of the infinitesimal surface isreferred to to determine color value on the basis of the graph shown inFIG. 48(a). Namely, the infinitesimal surface is represented by only thebody color and color determination is carried out by allowing lightnessto be higher according as luminance becomes higher.

(3) The case of K_(s) >K_(d)

In the case where K_(s) is larger than K_(d) to some extent, i.e., inthe case of the infinitesimal surface to exhibit impression of materialquality such as metal, color value is determined on the basis of thegraph shown in FIG. 48(a) in the same manner as in the abovedescribedcase (2).

In the case where the infinitesimal surface is formed of a transparentmaterial, as shown in FIG. 48(b), when luminance is larger than theintermediate value M, it is preferable to represent the infinitesimalsurface as a mixed color of the background color around the receptacleand the light source color and to increase the ratio of the light sourcecolor according as luminance becomes higher, on the other hand, whenluminance is smaller than the intermediate value M, it is preferable torepresent the infinitesimal surface as a mixed color of the backgroundcolor and the body color and to increase the ratio of the body coloraccording as luminance becomes lower. Since this method is described inthe specification of Tokugansho No. 60-137016 which has been filed bythe same applicant as the present invention, please make reference tothis specification.

In a manner stated above, color value of each infinitesimal surface isdetermined and two-dimensional representation exhibiting impression ofmaterial quality is attained.

As stated above, in accordance with this embodiment, a method ofrepresenting impression of material quality when representing thethree-dimensional figure in a two-dimensional manner is characterized inthat the surface of the three-dimensional figure is divided into aplurality of infinitesimal surfaces to calculate luminance per eachinfinitesimal surface to carry out color determination using methodsdifferent from each other in connection with infinitesimal surfaces ofan opaque material in which the diffusion reflection component and thespecular reflection component are nearly equal to each other,infinitesimal surfaces of an opaque material in which the abovecomponents are different to some extent, and infinitesimal surfaces of atransparent material. Accordingly, this can perform more faithfulrepresentation of impression of material quality and performrepresentation of impression of material quality partially different.

<Best mode for forming vector data of character font>

Here, in the designing method which has been explained on the basis ofthe flowchart shown in FIG. 2, a best mode of the process shown in thesteps S9 and S10 is disclosed.

When character is used as a portion of the label, font data of eachcharacter must be made up. For the conventional character font format,there are three forms shown in FIGS. 49 to 51. All of them relate toChinese characters of the Japanese language meaning "mountain". Thefirst form is that raster data shown in FIG. 49 is directy used whereinpixels corresponding to the character of "mountain" among 5×5 pixels areassigned to black and the remaining pixels are assigned to white. Thesecond form is based on run length data shown in FIG. 50 wherein thelength of white or black data successive in a horizontal direction isexpressed as the number of pixels. The third form is that 5×5 pixelswhich code conversion display with white and black corresponding to "0"and "1", respectively are displayed as hexadecimal digit and isconfigured as shown in FIG. 51.

However, these forms all have shortcomings. The first form using theraster data requires data per each pixel, resulting in a large quantityof data. The second form using the run length data and the third formbased on code conversion make it difficult to vary the form of thecharacter font in that when the form of the character font attempts tobe varied, it must be once converted to raster data.

In accordance with the method according to this method, formation ofcharacter font capable of arbitrarily changing the form or size of thecharacter font with less quantity of data is enabled.

FIG. 52(a) shows raster data of character handled in this embodiment,which is 7×7 pixel data having a coordinate value of 0 assigned to theX- and Y-axes, and coordinate values of -3 to 3 respectively assigned indirections of X- and Y-axes. This raster data is the character of"mountain" used in the above explanation.

FIG. 52(b) shows a scanning method in the case of scanning this rasterdata per each line wherein scanning is effected from minus to plusregion in a direction of the X-axis line by line.

The vector data obtained by such a scanning are as shown in thefollowing Table 1. Here, each data has a coordinate value of (x, y).

                                      TABLE 1                                     __________________________________________________________________________    None                                                                          Initial                                                                           Point                                                                            Terminal                                                                           Point                                                             (0,  2)                                                                              (0,   2)                                                               Initial                                                                           Point                                                                            Terminal                                                                           Point                                                             (0,  1)                                                                              (0,   1)                                                               Initial                                                                           Point                                                                            Terminal                                                                           Point                                                                            Initial                                                                           Point                                                                            Terminal                                                                           Point                                                                            Initial                                                                           Point                                                                            Terminal                                                                           Point                               (-2,                                                                               0)                                                                              (-2,  0)                                                                              (0,  0)                                                                              (0,   0)                                                                              (2,  0)                                                                              (2,   0)                                 Initial                                                                           Point                                                                            Terminal                                                                           Point                                                                            Initial                                                                           Point                                                                            Terminal                                                                           Point                                                                            Initial                                                                           Point                                                                            Terminal                                                                           Point                               (-2,                                                                              -1)                                                                              (-2, -1)                                                                              (0, -1)                                                                              (0,  -1)                                                                              (2, -1)                                                                              (2,  -1)                                 Initial                                                                           Point                                                                            Terminal                                                                           Point                                                             (-2,                                                                              -2)                                                                              (2,  -2)                                                               None                                                                          __________________________________________________________________________

Namely, the data indicative of the character of "mountain" appears onthe second to sixth lines among 7×7 pixels. Accordingly, collection ofsolely the necessary data from the data in the above Table 1 andarrangement thereof result in contents shown in the following Table 2.

                  TABLE 2                                                         ______________________________________                                        Initial point                                                                          (0,      2)     Terminal point                                                                          (0,    2)                                  "        (0,      1)     "         (0,    1)                                  "        (-2,     0)     "         (-2,   0)                                  "        (0,      0)     "         (0,    0)                                  "        (2,      0)     "         (2,    0)                                  "        (-2,    -1)     "         (-2,  -1)                                  "        (0,     -1)     "         (0,   -1)                                  "        (2,     -1)     "         (2,   -1)                                  "        (-2,    -2)     "         (2,   -2)                                  ______________________________________                                    

By the vector data shown in Table 2, the character of "mountain" can beexpressed with respect to X-Y coordinates including the origin. Thisdata is relatively small in terms of data quantity. Because of vectordata, such a data is suitable for geometrical conversion on processingand has a short processing time required, and reproducibility of thecharacter form after conversion is good. In addition, the character fontsize is not limited.

As described above, in accordance with this embodiment, the raster dataof character is scanned per each line to form vector data whichexpresses initial and terminal points of the character portion ascoordianted values of the X-Y coordinate system with respect to theorigin set on the character, thus making it possible to take outarbitrary character data using raster data difficult to process as itis. Accordingly, this system is incorporated into the pictorial imageprocessing unit, thus making it possible to obtain various characterpictorial images.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABLILTY

A method of designing a cubic receptacle according to the presentinvention and an apparatus therefor can be widely utilized in the designof cubic receptacles for packaging various foodstuffs such as drinks andfoods.

Particularly, an apparatus for determining internal capacity andmaterial quantity of a receptacle and an apparatus for determining theform of a receptacle according to the present invention can be widelyutilized in the design of receptacles, especially cubic receptacleswhich are formed as a body of revolution.

A method of representing in a two-dimensional manner a cubic receptacleon which a picture pattern is attached and a method of forming an imagein which a three-dimensional form is composed on a two-dimensionalpictorial image according to the present invention can be widelyutilized in designing method to design a cubic receptacle whileobserving an image of the cubic receptacle represented in atwo-dimensional manner. Further, they can be widely utilized in therepresentation methods for representing in a two-dimensional manner notonly cubic receptacles but also general three-dimensional bodies.

Moreover, a method of representing impression of material qualityaccording to the present invention can be widely utilized as thetechnique for representing impression of material quality in therepresentation methods for representing in a two-dimensional mannervarious three-dimensional bodies including cubic receptacles.

In addition, a method of preparing vector data of character fontaccording to the present invention can be widely utilized in thetechnology for generally forming data of character font as a set of dotsas well as character font used in a label attached on a cubicreceptacle.

We claim:
 1. A method of designing a cubic receptacle, comprising thesteps of:inputting a cross section of the cubic receptacle astwo-dimensional data to display a two-dimensional projected image ofsaid cubic receptacle and calculate the capacity thereof on the basis ofsaid two-dimensional data thus input to make a correction of the crosssection of said cubic receptacle on the basis of the result, thus todetermine the final form of said receptacle; and inputting an originalpicture of a label attached on the surface of said cubic receptacle astwo-dimensional data to display the label on the basis of saidtwo-dimensional data thus input to carry out correction of said labeltherefor on the basis of its result, thus to determine the final form ofsaid receptacle linking the data indicative of said final receptacleform with the data indicative of the final label thereby to output atwo-dimensional projected image of said cubic receptacle on which saidlabel is attached.
 2. A method of designing a cubic receptacle as setforth in claim 1, wherein said original picture attached on the surfaceof said cubic receptacle is divided into a pattern and a character toindependently input these data thereof, respectively, to implementcorrection or coloring processing while displaying said label on thebasis of the data thus input, thereby to determine the final label.
 3. Amethod of designing a cubic receptacle as set forth in claim 1, whereinthe longitudinal and lateral cross sections of said cubic receptacle areinput as two-dimensional data.
 4. A method of designing a cubicreceptacle as set forth in claim 3, wherein the input of saidlongitudinal cross section is carried out by giving an instruction todesignate a plurality of coordinate points in the two-dimensionalcoordinate system to connect respective coordinate points using astraight line or a curve.
 5. A method of designing a cubic receptacle asset forth in claim 4, wherein the input of said lateral cross section iscarried out by designating that said lateral cross section is circular.6. A method of designing a cubic receptacle as set forth in claim 4,wherein the input of said lateral cross section is carried out by givingan equation representative of said lateral cross section.
 7. A method ofdesigning a cubic receptacle as set forth in claim 3 wherein the inputof said lateral cross section is carried out by deslgnating combinationof elementary geometrical figures, e.g., circle or square etc.
 8. Anapparatus for designing a cubic receptacle, comprising:a coordinateinput unit which inputs a cross section of said cubic receptacle astwo-dimensional coordinates; a label input unit which inputs an originalpicture of a label attached on the surface of said cubic receptacle aspictorial image data; a display unit which displays a two-dimensionalprojected image of said cubic receptacle, two-dimensional projectedimages of said label and said cubic receptacle on which said label isattached, and other instructions necessary for an operator; a linedrawing output unit which outputs the two-dimensional projected image ofsaid cubic receptacle as a line drawing; a color hard copy unit whichoutputs with color representation the two-dimensional projected image ofsaid label; and a processing unit which performs a predeterminedcomputation on the basis of data input from said coordinate input unitand said label input unit to provide data necessary for said displayunit, said line drawing output unit, and said color hard copy unit. 9.An apparatus for designing a cubic receptacle as set forth in claim 8,wherein said label input unit includes a pictorial input unit whichinputs, as pictorial data, a portion of a pattern of said originalpicture of said label attached on said cubic receptacle, and a charactercode input unit which inputs, as a character code, a portion of acharacter of said original picture of said label.
 10. An apparatus fordesigning a cubic receptacle as set forth in claim 8, wherein saidcoordinate input unit includes a digitizer, a tablet, a mouse, or awrite pen.
 11. An apparatus for designing a cubic receptacle as setforth in claim 9, wherein said pictorial image unit includes a scanneror a CCD camera.
 12. An apparatus for designing a cubic receptacle asset forth in any one of claim 9, wherein said character code input unitincludes a word processor.
 13. An apparatus for designing a cubicreceptacle as set forth in claim 8, wherein said line drawing outputunit handles said two-dimensional projectdd image as a vector pictorialimage.
 14. An apparatus for designing a cubic receptacle as set forth inclaim 13, wherein said line drawing output unit includes an XY plotter.15. An apparatus for designing a cubic receptacle as set forth in claim8, wherein said color hard copy unit handles said two-dimensionalprojected image as a raster pictorial image.
 16. An apparatus fordesigning a cubic receptacle as set forth in claim 15, wherein saidcolor hard copy unit includes a film recoder or a color printer.
 17. Anapparatus for determining an internal capacity and an amount of materialof a cubic receptacle comprising:a coordinate input unit to whichposition data of form components including a cross section of saidreceptacle with respect to center axis and a liquid level are input; anumerical value input unit to which numerical value data including dataon a thickness of a wall of said receptacle are input; a processing unitwhich performs a computation on the basis of inputs from said coordinateinput unit and said numerical value input unit to calculate at least oneof a capacity of said receptacle and an amount of material required formanufacturing said receptacle, and to form data indicative of thereceptacle form including said cross section and said liquid level ofsaid receptacle; and a display which displays an output of saidprocessing unit.
 18. An apparatus for determining an internal capacityand an amount of material of a cubic receptacle as set forth in claim17, wherein said coordinate input unit is comprised of a digitizer. 19.An apparatus for determining an internal capacity and an amount ofmaterial of a cubic receptacle as set forth in claim 17, wherein saidcoordinate input unit is comprised of a keyboard.
 20. An apparatus fordetermining an internal capacity and an amount of material of a cubicreceptacle as set forth in claim 17, wherein said numerical value inputunit inputs the liquid level position and the bottom position of saidreceptacle.
 21. An apparatus for determining the form of a receptaclecomprising:a coordinate input unit to which position data of any elementconstituting the cross sectional form of said receptacle is input withrespect to the center axis of the receptacle, a numerical value inputunit to which numeric data including an internal capacity of thereceptacle and a change in the above element are input, a processingunit which calculates coordinate values on the basis of inputs from saidcoordinate input unit and said numerical value input unit, and a unitwhich receives an output from said processing unit to display the formof said receptacle.
 22. An apparatus for determining the form of areceptacle as set forth in claim 21, wherein said coordinate input unitinputs the height and the width of said receptacle.
 23. An apparatus fordetermining the form of a receptacle as set forth in claim 21, whereinsaid coordinate input unit is comprised of a digitizer.
 24. An apparatusfor determining the form of a receptacle as set forth in claim 21wherein said numerical value input unit is comprised of a key board. 25.A method of representing, in a two-dimensional manner, a cubicreceptacle on which a pattern is attached, comprising the stepsof:dividing the surface of said cubic receptacle into a plurality ofinfinitesimal surfaces; calculating luminance of each infinitesimalsurface when irradiation is effected under a predetermined conditionusing a predetermined light source; projecting said cubic receptacledivided into a plurality of infinitesimal surfaces on a two-dimensionalplane; inputting a pattern attached on said cubic receptacle as binarypictorial image; dividing said pattern thus input into a plurality ofinfinitesimal surfaces so as to correspond to the respectiveinfinitesimal surfaces of said cubic receptacle with one-to-onerelationship when said input picture is attached on said cubicreceptacle; giving color numbers indicating background to infinitesimalsurfaces of the background portion of said pattern and giving colornumbers indicating colors of portions except for said background portionthereto; determining a color value in respect of the portion at whichthe picture pattern is not attached and the portion at which theinfinitesimal surface of said pattern, to which color number indicatingsaid background is given, is attached on the basis of at least areceptacle body color and luminance of the infinitesimal color amongrespective infinitesimal surfaces of the projected cubic receptacle, anddetermining a color value in respect of the portion at which theinfinitesimal surface, to which color number indicating color is given,is attached on the basis of at least luminance and color number of thelast-mentioned infinitesimal surface thereamong; and giving a colorvalue to each infinitesimal surface constituting said cubic receptacleprojected on the two-dimensional plane to represent said cubicreceptacle as two-dimensional color image.
 26. A method of representing,in a two-dimensional manner, a cubic receptacle on which a pattern isattached as set forth in claim 25, wherein a value indicating animpression of material quality of the infinitesimal surface is used as aparameter at the stage for calculating luminance of each infinitesimalsurface.
 27. A method of representing, in a two-dimensional manner, acubic receptacle on which a pattern is attached as set forth in claim25, wherein a judgement whether each infinitesimal surface is visible orinvisible is made using Z buffer algorithm.
 28. A method ofrepresenting, in a two-dimensional manner, a cubic receptacle on which apattern is attached as set forth in any claim 25, wherein, at the stagefor giving color number to said pattern, said pattern is divided into aplurality of closed areas to give the same color number per each closedarea.
 29. A method of representing, in a two-dimensional manner, a cubicreceptacle on which a pattern is attached as set forth in claim 25,wherein a value indicating an impression of material quality of theinfinitesimal surface is used as a parameter at the stage fordetermining a color value.
 30. A method of forming an image in which athree-dimensional form is composed on a two-dimensional pictorial image,comprising the steps of inputting a two-dimenional pictorial image usinga pictorial image input unit, displaying the input pictorial image on adisplay unit, projecting a primitive figure based on three-dimensionaldata on a two-dimensional plane on which said pictorial image isdisplayed, applying figure conversion to the primitive figure thusprojected depending upon input conditions, forming a two-dimensionalprojected image of said primitive figure on the basis of a conditionselected from said input conditions, composing said two-dimensionalprojected image and said input two-dimensional pictorial image, anddisplaying the composite pictorial image on said display unit.
 31. Amethod of forming an image in which a three-dimensional form is composedon a two-dimensional pictorial image as set forth in claim 30, whereinsaid pictorial image input unit includes a scanner or a line sensor. 32.A method of representing an impression of material quality in thetwo-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional figure having abody color placed in a space having a predetermined background,whereinthe surface of said three-dimensional figure is divided into a pluralityof infinitesimal surfaces to calculate luminance of said eachinfinitesimal surface when light is irradiated under a predeterminedcondition using a predetermined light source by using the backgroundcomponent, the diffusion reflection component and the specularreflection component inherent in the material quality as parameters toevaluate an intermediate value of said luminance from the calculatedresult; wherein, in respect to infinitesimal surfaces of an opaquematerial quality in which said diffusion reflection component and saidspecular reflection component are nearly equal to each other, whenluminance is lower than said intermediate value, they are expressed witha body color having lightness corresponding to the luminance value,while when luminance is larger than said :ntermediate value, they arerepresented with a mixing color in which a light source color of saidlight source and said body color are mixed in accordance with theluminance value; wherein, in respect to infinitesimal surfaces of anopaque material quality in which said diffusion reflection component andsaid specular reflection component are different to some extent, theyare represented with said body color having lightness corresponding tothe luminance value; and wherein, in the case where the infinitesimalsurfaces have transparent material quality, in respect to infinitesimalsurfaces having luminance larger than said intermediate value, they arerepresented as a mixing color of said light source color of said lightsource and said background color of said background and so that a ratioof said light source color is increased according to luminance becomeshigher, and in respect to infinitesimal surfaces having luminance lowerthan said intermediate value, they are represented as a mixing color ofsaid body color and said background color and so that a ratio of saidbody color is raised according as luminance becomes lower, thusreplacing said three-dimensional figure with a two-dimensional pictorialimage having an impression of material quality.
 33. A method ofrepresenting an impression of material quality in the two-dimensionalrepresentation of a three-dimensional figure as set forth in claim 32,wherein luminance is calculated as sum of three components of saidbackground light component, said diffusion reflection component and saidspecular reflection component.
 34. A method of representing animpression of material quality in the two-dimensional representation ofa three-dimensional figure as set forth in claim 32 or 33, whereinsurface covering processing is carried out on the basis of Z bufferalgorithm when replacing the three-dimensional figure with thetwo-dimensional pictorial image.
 35. A method of representing animpression of material quality in the two-dimensional representation ofa three-dimensional figure as set forth in claim 34, wherein in the caseof carrying out the surface covering processing, when an infinitesimalsurface of the same material quality as a transparent material qualityor material quality different therefrom overlaps behind an infinitesimalsurface of the transparent material quality, it is represented as amixing color of color components of said both infinitesimal surfaces,and a color ratio of said infinitesimal surface positioned behind isincreased according as transparency becomes higher and a color ratio ofsaid infinitesimal surface positioned at the front side is increasedaccording as transparency becomes lower, thereby replacing saidthree-dimensional figure with a two-dimensional pictorial image having atransparent impression of material quality.
 36. A method of formingvector data of character front as set forth in claim 35, wherein rasterdata of character font is scanned per each line to take out coordinatevalues of the X-Y coordinate system with respect to the origin set onthe character in regard to initial and terminal points of the characterportion.
 37. A method of forming vector data of character font as setforth in claim 36, wherein the origin of said X-Y coordinate system ispositioned at the central portion of the character font.
 38. A method ofdesigning a cubic receptacle, comprising the steps of:inputting a crosssection of the cubic receptacle as two-dimensional data to display atwo-dimensional projected image of said cubic receptacle and calculatethe capacity thereof on the basis of said two-dimensional data thusinput to make a correction of the cross section of said cubic receptacleon the basis of the result, thus to determine the final form of saidreceptacle; and inputting an original picture of a label attached on thesurface of said cubic receptacle as two-dimensional data to display thelabel on the basis of said two-dimensional data thus input to carry outcoloring processing for said label on the basis of its result, thus todetermine the final form of said receptacle linking indicative of saidfinal receptacle form with the data indicative of the final labelthereby to output a two-dimensional projected image of said cubicreceptacle on which said label is attached.
 39. An apparatus fordesigning a cubic receptacle, comprising:a coordinate input unit whichinputs a cross section of said cubic receptacle as two-dimensionalcoordinates; a label input unit which inputs an original picture of alabel attached on the surface of said cubic receptacle as pictorialimage data; a display unit which displays a two-dimensional projectedimage of said cubic receptacle, two-dimensional projected images of saidlabel and said cubic receptacle on which said label is attached, andother instructions necessary for an operator; a line drawing output unitwhich outputs the two-dimensional projected image of said cubicreceptacle as a line drawing; a color hard copy unit which outputs withcolor representation the two-dimensional projected image of said cubicreceptacle on which said label is attached; and a processing unit whichperforms a predetermined computation on the basis of the data input fromsaid coordinate input unit and said label input unit to provide datanecessary for said display unit, said line drawing output unit, and saidcolor hard copy unit.